(UPDATE: IN-PERSON) The AEU’s Role in Supporting Societies and Advancing Ethical Culture

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Khandra Sears, Board President American Ethical Union Reflecting popular trends, the American Ethical Union (AEU) has seen engagement decline at its member societies and across the movement. It also has navigated a series of significant, rapid transitions in recent years. Sears’ talk will focus on the AEU Board of Directors’ work rebuilding connections among Ethical [...]

Book Discussion: Democracy Awakening, by Heather Cox Richardson (On Zoom)

On Zoom

How did we arrive at this moment of political crisis? How do we find our way out of it? Acclaimed historian Richardson presents a condensed account of modern conservatism and a recap of Donald Trump's presidency. She also explains how Americans' enduring commitment to democracy has pushed back when authoritarianism, in the past, has reared [...]

Aging Gracefully

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader Philadelphia Ethical Society Too often, our youth-centric culture treats aging as something to avoid, hide, or belittle. Yet, every one of us—if we are lucky—will grow old. Hugh urges us to embrace this journey, so as to nurture greater meaning and gratitude. And he introduces the concept of “intentional eldering” which allows [...]

Annual Members Meeting (Hybrid)

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

On the agenda: Board elections for president, vice president, and up to three trustees-at-large. The Treasurer will report on next year's budget and moving our endowment to the Philadelphia Foundation. Also on tap: an update on the Rose Rappaport Long Fund and the Stewardship Fund.   This event will take place both in person and [...]

Peeling the Onion

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Get to know other Ethical Society members and our neighbors from Friends in the City through this fun activity! Peeling the Onion, created by Woody Kardon, lets participants share stories from their lives, creating opportunities for conversations and new friendships. Meet in the Leader’s Office. Space is limited, so RSVP to Woody or Hugh.   Emails: [...]

What We Must Do to Save Reproductive Freedom Now

On Zoom

Kathryn Kolbert, Public Interest Attorney A journalist and entrepreneurial leader, Kathryn “Kitty” Kolbert will speak about the bold strategies needed to help restore and expand reproductive and sexual rights. Using what has been called "one of the most audacious litigation strategies in Supreme Court history,” Kolbert, in 1992, argued Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the landmark [...]

How Decisions — Good or Bad — Can Change Our Lives

On Zoom

John Horkel, Philadelphia Ethical Society Member John was taking a walk in New Haven, Connecticut, one day, not long after retiring from his career as a zoo curator and director of an arboretum and a nature center. Finding himself before the building that houses the nonprofit New Haven Reads, he impulsively went in and signed [...]

Rollin and Robert: Bach-ing and Rocking

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Rollin Wilber, Pianist; and Robert Steinfort, Member Philadelphia Ethical Society They say you can’t please everybody. Well, Rollin and Robert Edwin—two outstanding musicians with disparate backgrounds—are going to try. This program features music spanning Bach to rock and will include a reprise of Rollin’s four original song settings of poems by Eugene Field (originally presented [...]

Vote Forward Workshop

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Join Kimiko after this Sunday's platform to learn about Vote Forward! Vote Forward is a national organization that mobilizes volunteers to write personal, heartfelt letters to potential voters. She'll have their letter template printed out for you to write a few sentences on why you vote. It's a small (and easy) way to encourage your [...]

Lessons from the School Ship

On Zoom

Karen Lawrence and Lisa Winkler, Experiential Trainers Schooner North Wind Youth Program Many organizations have a mission to provide education and experiences to young people. Gloucester City Sail stands out for doing it on a boat. Youth from the Philadelphia and Camden areas get the opportunity to learn about science and history—while also doing some [...]